Remembering Mark Conway

The Inquirer and Mirror invites family, friends and colleagues of Mark Conway to share their memories in this space.

Click here to submit your thoughts and recollections. We will post as many as we possibly can, but please be patient. It may take some time before your post appears.

• I have a lot of great memories as a child, playing football in the yard at the Conway house. Even though Mark was younger than Ronnie and I, I remember him very well and admired his spirit. I’d like to send my sincere condolences to the Conway family during this trying time.

Brian Thurston

• I've remembered him since we were little because we were neighbors. I've remembered his laughs from telling jokes with me and old days. My thoughts and prayers go to Shirley, Bobby, Ronnie and Ryan and also his wife and daughters. Love, Amy Pingree (Reed) (Vic and Maureen's daughter)

• Dear Shirley, Bushy,Bobby, and Ronnie – My thoughts and prayers and those of my mom are with you all . . . how I remember all those times during the Gull Air days when Bobby was working there that Mark would come in with that twinkle in his eyes . . . A huge smile and always big hugs and fun with his brother . . . Our hearts go out to you . . . and he was a very dear and special person who will never be forgotten. Love, Sara-Jo and Jo Elverson

• I worked at Nantucket Shuttle in the summer of 2006, and it was a pleasure working for Mark. He was a jovial boss who was always willing to listen and had a kind word for everyone. My condolences to Mark's family and friends.

Chris Maylor

• Shirley, Bush, Ronnie and Bobby, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this horribly sad time. Though it has been a few years since I last saw Mark he was a significant person in my life. He was a passionate man who pursued his interests with all of his heart. Truly flying was one of those interests. May he rest in gentle peace, and may you each find comfort in time in the memories you hold closest in your hearts. He will be missed. With deepest sympathy, Mynnde (Russell) Corey

• Bushy,Shirley and family – We are so sorry to hear about your son Mark. I have known the family all my life but did not know Mark as well as I was off-island. I do know his family very well and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Bushy, you are a great dad and Shirley a good mom. May it ease your pain some to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Conway family is a wonderfull family, and very close to one another. They are loved by all who know them. God bles you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to all of you,

Carol Fillman (Sandsbury)

• First of all I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Mark's entire family. I cannot imagine the sorrow and grief you all bear at this time. I like my brother Peter have known Mark all my life. We were classmates and playmates as small children and Mark continued to be a lifelong friend. Mark was the kind of person you just enjoyed being around no matter what. He had a great sense of humor and a gentle spirit. I will miss him and wish that I could be there to hold each of you in a hug. May time bring peace to you all and may you be comforted by family and friends. Love,

Trish (Burdick) Salmeier, Dunnellon, Fla.

• We first met Mark when he moved to Tristram's and winterized his house for year-round occupancy. We were off-island summer folk and he lived only four doors down from us in the same row. He was fun, gracious, helpful and always smiling. After his first winter there, he beguiled us with tales of crawling under the house with a hair dryer to thaw out the pipes – even after all his work to prevent freezing!! Even then, he was smiling!!! We did not know him well – or for long – but the time we did, he was a joy! Life is seldom fair, but his was good, and he will be missed – even by those who knew him only a little! Pat Schoeni and Dave Weinman, Alexandria, Va.

• My deepest sympathy to the Watts family. I was most familiar with Shirley, Mark's mom. I remember him as a little boy playing with my cousins and me out at Madaket. I am sure this young man became one of the finest members of society due to his wonderful mom's priority of raising the children to be all they can be.Sincerely,

Kristi M. Olderich-Jones

• I was in the class of 1982 with Mark. I remember from the early days at Academy Hill School all the way to high school graduation and all the fun we had. Mark was the sweetest person you can imagine and always fun to hang around with. When the Nantucket Shuttle was introduced, I decided that was it. Any journey back to Nantucket would be with my classmate, Mark. I would support his business venture and flew with the Shuttle exclusively with my family. The last time I saw Mark was last August going back to Nantucket for our class reunion. Robbie Mack and I were there as well as Mark in the Hyannis terminal. I remember him looking at my children and saying, “Lori, you are going to have your hands full.” Mark didn’t come to the reunion, however, we did catch up that day in the terminal. The last time I flew with the shuttle back in April, I asked if Mark was around and shockingly the agent told me that Mark now flew with Wiggins. I was sad that I wouldn’t have one of my conversations with him. Shirley, Bob, Ronnie, Bushy and Bruce, my heart goes out to all of you. You all played a great role in Mark’s life. I will also be thinking of his children. I can’t imagine there loss. Love, Lori Tornovish Angus

• Mark always had a smile for everyone. I don't believe he ever met a single person he didn't treat as a friend. I'll miss you buddy. John Bond, Spring Hill, Fla.

• I first met Mark while he was a police cadet with the Nantucket Police Department in 1983 and into the next several years as he developed into a year-round police special. I always took the extra moments with Mark as he pondered his future and I learned of his love of flying. I did encourage him to remain on the police department noting that he had the abilities to do a great job on any of his assignments. I had hoped that law enforcement would have been his choice as he would have made a great difference on the job on Nantucket. Mark of course moved on in his pursuits with stops with the Army and the Nantucket Fire Department before realizing his true happiness of flight. But between all of his rites of passage from that of a police cadet through his love of flying, Mark perfected the all-too-rare art of being a great young man that always smiled and laughed and made you feel good about yourself. The enthusiasm he had about his family, friends and his job were boundless. And over the years until my retirement from the police department, I had many occasions to talk and laugh with Mark and I always felt reassured that there were genuine good people in the world and I had the opportunity to know and enjoy one. My most sincere condolences to all of Mark's family and friends. Fair winds and following seas my friend, and may God bless you and keep you and give you peace. Ron Gould NPD ret., Hudson, Florida

• I was stationed with Mark in Germany for almost three years, and I was his roommate for much of that time. Mark was definitely one of those guys that leaves a lasting impression on people. I always found it difficult to be in a bad mood around Mark, because he was ready with some quick wit that could get you laughing. Everyone wanted to be around Mark, because he was so outgoing and full of life. Like Mark, I had a love of flying, and he came up with the idea for us to join the Army Flying Club. Mark was an excellent pilot and I learned as much flying with him as I did from any instructor. We had a lot of great adventures flying around Germany, and those are times I will never forget. After the Army we both eventually ended up in flying careers. I can honestly say I don’t believe I would be where I am without his encouragement that fed my “flying bug” all those years ago. Thanks Mark, clear skies and fair winds my friend. Rob Dimel

• I had the privilege of serving with Mark in the military. We were stationed in Germany for almost three years together. I can't say enough good things about him. We both grew up in Massachusetts and we would sit and talk for hours about home and how much we missed it. Mark was so proud that he came from Nantucket and he missed his family and friends so much. I also missed home a great deal and it made such a difference talking to him because we knew the same places and shared the same accent. Those years would have been so much harder without him there. There was never any doubt that he would return back to the area and of course do something that involved flying. I flew with Mark and his co-pilot Rob on one occasion and I'll never forget it. Even though I was nervous, they both had smiles that seemed to never disappear. Mark was a great soldier but it was obvious where his passion was. He was meant to fly. Many of us from those days in Germany have regained contact with each other in the past three years. I can honestly say that Mark was at the top of the list for the person everyone wanted to find and speak with again. He was the brightest face on post. Mark served his country proudly and he was an excellent soldier.

Glenn Cudmore

• Mark was a true gentleman. We had some fun times in middle school. When I first moved back to the island, I saw Mark at the Nantucket airport and he saw me and said "Irene Porter" and gave me a big hug. I had not seen Mark for at least 20 years. It was as though we were still in middle school. We exchanged our adult stories. I told him I was proud of his accomplishments. I regret that I did not make a bigger effort to see him more. I will treasure his memory. God Bless You Mark and your family. Love,

Irene Porter

• I first got to know Mark well when I was pretty young. I sometimes used to feel that people would look at me and feel sorry for me, as I had lost my mom when I was little. Never Mark, though. With Mark, I was just "Amy," and I will always remember that. I am also a Nantucket transplant that has settled in Marstons Mills. While Mark was with the Shuttle, it was a comfort knowing he was one of the pilots flying my husband back and forth to work each day. My husband Bill constantly talked about what a great pilot Mark was. The last time I saw Mark was when he was talking to my husband after one of my daughter's soccer games a few weeks ago. I just wanted to get going as she and I were cold and wet . . . now I wish I had taken the time to stay and chat. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Conway family, and especially Mary and Caroline. Special hugs to Caroline from my daughter Skylar. Amy (Cabral) Bowman

• I have known Mark all my life since I was 5 years old and we became great friends throughout childhood. He was a friend I could always depend on and have so much fun with. As I sit here today and write these thoughts down so many come to mind that I could go on forever. Mark and I did so much together. If we weren't playing in the sand pit across from his house or going on our little hunting expeditions, we were probably getting into a little mischief like taking the new dozen eggs his mother had just bought and throwing them at cars, or taking the firecrackers that were stowed away for the 4th and blowing up our G.I Joe's. Read full post

Pete Burdick

• I knew Mark through my job at Barstable Airport from general aviation, to Island Airlines pilot, Nantucket Shuttle and Wiggins. Mark always had a smile on his face and a warm greeting. He was truly in love with his two wonderful daughters and spoke of them often. I spoke with him the day before the accident and those little ones were in his thoughts as he spoke of their accomplishments in school. His wonderful disposition will be sorely missed at the airport. Last year we both went separately to the local Weight Watchers meeting. When I mentioned to the employees that I worked at the airport, they asked if I knew Mark and they all spoke so highly of him. He had a smile and charm that made their day. While I only knew him through work and had occassions to swap kids stories, his pleasant spirit made a great impression on me. I can only imagine the impact he had on those who called him family and friend. May God bless his soul and those who loved him.

Christina Lounsbury

• I was Mark's platoon sergeant when he was stationed in Germany, and remember him with great respect and fondness. He was always there to help out fellow soldiers that he was stationed with and was a great asset to his platoon and fellow MP's. I could always depend on him for an uplifting experience and to keep everybody laughing. He had great parties, and was always trying to get me up in a plane with him. Mark was a good and kind man, and took care of the soldiers whose care was his responsibility. He always had the back of his leaders and fellow soldiers. It is with great sorrow that I received the news of his passing and will pray for his family. I will mourn the passing of a great pilot, military policeman, friend and fellow soldier. With great respect,

TJ Larkin

• Mark was a dear and trusted friend to our family. We remember Mark coming to work for Joe in the early 1980s, very quickly endearing himself to a very young Joe and Bryan. We had asked the boys to call him "Mr. Conway," however, at ages 2 and 3, the best we got was "My Con." Read full post

The Swains

• Mark was one of my 1982 NHS classmates. He was such a joy to be around in our class, always smiling and joking. He was one of the most generous and caring people I have known and I am glad to have known him. He will be sorely missed. My prayers and condolences to the Conway family.

Cynthia Bartlettt Bopp

• Having grown up and graduated with Mark, my heart is deeply saddened. Ronnie, Bobby, Shirley and Bushy, though there are no words, however heartfelt, that can ease your sorrow, may it help to know that those who care are holding you close in thought. A tragic loss like this is so hard to understand and I wish for you that in your own time, in your own way, you are able to find a place of healing. Nan Caton Cardos

• I went to High School with Mark. I also had the pleasure of seeing him fairly often when my family and I made our way back to the island, sometimes on the island, but more often at the airport on our way. Always quick with a smile, a handshake and a sincere greeting, Mark was one of the good guys. We'll miss you Mark! My thoughts and prayers are with your family David S. Diamond

• From a young man in high school until the time of his passing, Mark was a great guy. He always took time to say hello. It didn’t matter who you were, he always had a smile on his face and a wonderful disposition. Shirley, Bushy, Ronnie and Bobby, you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Irene Medeiros

• Mark Conway was one of the nicest people I knew. He always had a smile on his face. Whenever I would see him we would take a minute to catch up on what was going on in our lives. The Conway family is in my thoughts and prayers. Helena Gomes

• I had the pleasure of working for Mark as a pilot for about a year in the start-up days of Nantucket Shuttle. He was a giving and caring man that helped me get to where I am today. He was always there with a smile, or a joke over the radio when you were having a rough day. One day Mark was riding with me in the plane on the way back from Nantucket and pretty much everything that could go wrong did: weather, equipment, you name it. We ended up having to divert to Martha's Vineyard to wait for things to get better. We were carrying a "full boat" of workers that flew with us pretty much every day. He paid out of his own pocket for all of them to have dinner at the airport as we waited for the fog to lift in Hyannis. He didn't have to do that, but he did. That pretty much summed up Mark for me, someone that would give you the shirt off their back and never think twice about it. I could share a million other fond memories of Mark and I am lucky to have them. He was a guy that loved to fly, and enjoyed getting a job done, even if it meant personal sacrifice. I used to fly his family quite often and I can only imagine the loss they are feeling right now. I hope that it comforts them to know that there are alot of us who owe a debt of gratitude to Mark for helping us along the way, and I look forward to paying him back when I finally get to the finish line too. I know he's up there flying around laughing at us all right now. Tailwinds and Godspeed to ya Mark. You will be missed.

Robert Carter

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
The Inquirer and Mirror ~ One Old South Road, Nantucket, MA 02554 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service